Glasgow Rangers summer signing, Sadiq Umar has won more words of praise from his coach at the Scottish Premiership club, as the gaffer, Steven Gerrard says the lad runs well and is aggressive in his approach to the game.
In the wake of Umar’s form with The Gers against Wigan Athletic last weekend, Gerrard said, though the Rio 2016 Olympics bronze medallist is still rusty and battling to settle down fast, he has already shown what he can do during his days with AS Roma of Italy.
Indeed, Umar is on loan from Roma to Rangers for a season, but Gerrard is already hinting about a full contract for the youngster, who also rates high in terms of physical attrbiutes and height.
Gerrard further affirmed that Umar will be a handful to defenders in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) when he hits full fitness.
The Liverpool of England legend, who handed the on loan Roma forward his debut in last weekend’s friendly game against Wigan, said he was happy to see the lad help his side win the game 3-0.
It was their final pre-season game ahead of the start of the SPL next weekend and Gerrard said Umar did well on his debut.
He was introduced in the second half and the 21-year-old Umar gave a performance that ensured an improved second half display, as he was heavily involved in one of the goals.
The towering forward headed home a cross which was bound for the net before it came off the head of a Wigan defender, who was trying to defend against the big striker.
Gerrard rated Umar’s performance as encouraging, considering the fact that he is yet to hit full fitness with the team, and went on to predict that the lanky lad will get better.
Gerrard said: “He runs hard and he is aggressive with and without the ball. There is potential in there for him to be a right handful, and that is what we want him to be.
“He is still finding his feet and he is still a little bit rusty and trying to find that sharpness, but you saw glimpses of what he is about and I love it when he is aggressive, on the front foot and putting pressure on people.”
